Candidate Survey: Supporting Defend The Guard

Dear Candidate,

As you run for office, your stance on foreign policy and military commitments is of critical importance. I’m writing on behalf of Bring Our Troops Home and the DefendThe Guard movement, two grassroots organizations focused on preventing the unnecessary sacrifice of American service members in foreign conflicts without proper Congressional oversight. For too long, unauthorized military actions have put our National Guard at risk without a formal declaration of war, eroding public trust and bypassing constitutional requirements.

Founded by veterans and military families, Bring Our Troops Home seeks to restore constitutionally sound foreign policy. Our Defend The Guard initiative advocates that the National Guard cannot be deployed into combat overseas unless Congress issues a formal declaration of war, in line with Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This common-sense measure ensures accountability and upholds the rights of states to check federal overreach.

Secretary of State and United States Senator Daniel Webster wisely stated, “It shall be the solemn duty of the States to interpose for arresting the progress of evil.” National Guard members, have long carried the burden of federal deployments that bypass Congressional authority. Our proud tradition of independence and constitutional conservatism makes the individual states the natural leader for Defend The Guard legislation, which would protect our citizen-soldiers and reaffirm state’s rights.

As a candidate, your position on this issue is crucial to veterans and their families. We will share your response to this survey with hundreds of thousands of veterans across the country and within your state. Together, we can ensure your state leads the charge in protecting our service members and restoring constitutional war powers.

With Honor and respect!

Dan McKnight, Chairman
BringOurTroopsHome.US

Candidate Survey

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Question 1: Some believe that limiting National Guard combat deployments abroad to situations where Congress has issued a formal declaration of war is necessary to restore constitutional checks and balances. Do you think this approach would strengthen the role of Congress in military decisions? Why or why not?(Required)

Question 2: Given the increasing polarization in Washington, how do you see state-level initiatives like Defend The Guard influencing national defense policy? Do you believe states should have more authority in determining National Guard deployments?(Required)

Question 3: Critics argue that restricting National Guard deployments could harm national security and reduce military readiness. Supporters, however, believe that keeping the Guard focused on domestic readiness and homeland defense aligns with the National Guard’s constitutional purpose. How would you respond to concerns that limiting these deployments might weaken the U.S.'s ability to address global threats?(Required)

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